Boilers are built to be tough and long-lasting, but like most things, they don’t last forever and may show signs of issues after many years of use!
Boilers should last for over 10 years or so with regular servicing but can last much longer if they’re well-kept.
Many boiler issues are minor and can be fixed, but there are a few boiler issues that you shouldn't ignore, such as a leaking boiler.
So, is a leaking boiler an emergency?
What should I do if my boiler is leaking water?
If you have a boiler leaking water, turn it off and call a Gas Safe engineer as soon as possible.
Boilers can leak for a variety of reasons, and a professional can help you determine the cause of the leak and the best course of action to take to fix the issue. Not all causes of a leaking boiler are difficult to fix, but leaks can cause damage and corrosion to other parts of the boiler.
If you leave the leak, then your boiler will almost certainly start to fail after a while. Water is corrosive and will definitely rust and decay metal parts over time. The water might also leak into other parts of the house.
Turn off power to the boiler
It’s especially important to turn off the unit if it’s a newer boiler with electronic controls, as the leak might cause a short circuit. This would make the issue much harder to fix - and more expensive.
Never take risks with water and electricals - call us if you’re unsure whether it’s safe to switch your boiler off (e.g. if the panel or switch is wet).
You’ll likely be able to turn off the boiler at a wall plug or switch. If it’s leaking badly and you’re worried about further damage, you can shut off your electricity at the breaker.
Causes of a leaking boiler
There are a few possible causes for a boiler to leak water. A leak can occur if there is a crack in parts of the boiler itself, or if one of the pipes connected to the boiler is damaged. A boiler can also leak if the pressure relief valve is not working properly.
If you can’t easily identify the cause of the leak, you’re best off calling a Gas Safe engineer.
Here are some of the main causes of a leaking boiler:
Corroded pipework
Corroded pipework might produce various leaks, including leaks at corroded joins and pinhole leaks. This is considerably more common for older boilers. In addition, older pipework is more likely to leak if left unchecked in a damp garage or utility room.
Pressure relief valve
The pressure relief valve is designed to release excess pressure in the system. Check your boiler’s pressure gauge if it has one - is the arrow pointing towards the red zone? If so, perform the following steps:
- Check the filling loop to ensure the lever or key isn’t open, allowing excess water into the system.
- If not, shut the system off and bleed your radiators. An excess of air in the system might cause the pressure to rise beyond reasonable limits.
- If bleeding fails to rectify the pressure, then it’s time to call a Gas Safe engineer.
Loose joints
Boilers and neighbouring pipework consist of various joints. If any become loose, then they could leak.
This is possible if something nearby is causing vibrations, such as a washing machine or tumble drier. Joints can also loosen on their own if they were repaired at some point and the PTFE tape is starting to degrade.
How to fix a boiler leak?
Most people shouldn’t attempt to fix a boiler leak on their own, especially if it’s a newer boiler with electrical components.
- If you have a boiler leak, the first thing you should do is turn off the power to the boiler. This will prevent any further damage from occurring to the electrical components. You should be able to switch it off at the unit or via a wall plug/switch. You could also shut off the breaker.
- Next, you will need to identify the source of the leak. If the leak is coming from a pipe, you’ll probably need to replace the pipe. If the leak is coming from the boiler itself, you will need to call a professional to repair the boiler. Don’t attempt to open the boiler to fix the leak yourself.
- Pipe and joint issues are relatively easy to fix by replacing them, but this will need to be handled by a professional as some boiler disassembly will likely be required.
Overall, the safest option is to simply call a Gas Safe engineer. You can shut the boiler off in the meantime. If the leak is sudden and powerful, a faulty valve or major pipe issue is probably the culprit, whereas pinhole leaks or loose joints might cause small leaks.
Older boilers often leak if the pipes wear or joints become loose. If they’ve been previously repaired with PTFE tape to seal the joints, then the tape might’ve decayed or eroded, which might be the source of the leak.
Leaky joints and pipes are relatively simple to fix in most cases, but if you ignore the leak, it might lead to corrosion on other parts and/or an electrical short circuit. This could even be a fire or electrical shock hazard.
Summary: Is a leaking boiler an emergency?
Generally, a leaking boiler is reason to call a Gas Safe engineer immediately. If the leak is severe, it might damage other parts of the boiler, including any internal electrical components. This might cause numerous issues, including costly electrical short circuits.
Water is corrosive and will definitely damage other components, pipework, etc. All in all, treat a leaking boiler as an emergency and get it sorted out as soon as possible.
If your boiler is leaking, call us ASAP - it’ll probably save you money in the long run.
